Dominica holiday calendar

Public holidays in Dominica 2026

Calendar compilation last reviewed

Plan the year with every Dominica public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.

Public holidays
12
Regional dates
0
Observances
2
Substitute dates
0

How public holidays work in Dominica

The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Dominica calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.

No separate substitute dates are currently listed for 2026. Weekend and time-off rules can still vary by employer, region and holiday, so consult the linked guide and primary source before making arrangements. November is the busiest month, with 3 listed dates.

Dominica holiday dates in 2026

The table lists 14 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.

Public holidays, regional dates and cultural observances in Dominica for 2026
DateHolidayTypeObserved day
New Year’s DayDominica’s January 1 public holiday begins the civil year with churchgoing, greetings, family meals and a continuation of Christmas hospitality.Public holiday—
Carnival MondayThe first public holiday in Dominica’s two-day pre-Lenten Carnival climax, beginning before sunrise with J’ouvert and continuing with bands and street masquerade.Public holiday—
Carnival TuesdayDominica’s climactic Carnival public holiday features costume-band parades, music and the final street celebrations immediately before Ash Wednesday.Public holiday—
Good FridayDominica’s solemn Holy Week public holiday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and precedes Easter Sunday by two days.Public holiday—
Easter MondayThe public holiday after Easter Sunday extends Dominica’s Easter weekend with family visits, church fellowship, outings and rest.Public holiday—
Labour DayDominica observes Labour Day on the first Monday in May as a public holiday recognising workers, organisation and fair employment.Public holiday—
Whit MondayDominica’s public holiday after Pentecost Sunday recalls the Holy Spirit’s coming and provides a quieter close to the movable church feast.Public holiday—
Emancipation DayDominica’s first-Monday-in-August public holiday commemorates emancipation while honouring resistance, survival and the continuing legacy of African Caribbean freedom struggles.Public holiday—
Creole DayJounen Kwéyòl, observed on October’s last Friday, celebrates Dominica’s living Kwéyòl language, national wear, food, music and intergenerational cultural knowledge.Cultural observance—
Independence DayThe November 3 national holiday commemorates Dominica’s 1978 independence and anchors an island-wide season of Creole culture, civic ceremony and national dress.Public holiday—
National Day of Community ServiceDominica’s November 4 public holiday turns the Independence season toward volunteer work, clean-ups, repairs, beautification and environmental stewardship.Public holiday—
Remembrance SundayDominica’s second-Sunday-in-November civic observance remembers war dead through ceremony, wreaths, prayer, silence and the island’s distinctive Roseau cenotaph.Cultural observance—
Christmas DayDominica’s December 25 public holiday centres Christian worship, family reunion, festive cooking, music and hospitality within a longer Christmas season.Public holiday—
Boxing DayDominica’s December 26 public holiday extends the Christmas break with family visits, shared food, recreation and time to recover or travel.Public holiday—

Sources for Dominica holidays

Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.